Connor’s Top In 2014

I find myself saying “this was an excellent year for music”, when in reality, there’s rarely a bad year for it. 2014 proved to be the same in this light. Some of my favorite records of the last five years were released and I got to see the work of some friends grow immensely. I highly recommend everything mentioned in here (obviously) and urge you to check it out. Here’s to an awesome 2015.

Circa Survive is undoubtedly my favorite band in the entire world. When I was told that Descensus, the band’s fifth full-length, was to be the most piercing entry in their untouchable catalog, I was mentally preparing myself for what was to come. What I got was an inventive approach to what they’re all about as a band. Descensus is probably the essential Circa Survive record and is a strong adversary in the band’s arsenal.

I first checked out The Hotelier after hearing countless people rave about Home, Like Noplace Is There. I didn’t quite “get” the hype from an outside perspective because nothing of their back catalog (then The Hotel Year) caught me by surprise. However, upon beginning Home, something took ahold of my ears and refused to let go. The raw emotion in frontman Christian Holden’s delivery alone makes this a top release. The record is an emo punk dream and I religiously listen to at least a portion of it daily.

Keep You takes us down a lighter path, allowing us to come to terms with whatever devastating outcomes may cross our paths down the road. Kyle Durfey’s signature screams were completely omitted and Michael York’s and Chad McDonald’s roaring guitars were replaced by intricate pickings. If anything, hearing “Repine” should have prepared me for the oncoming emotional onslaught of the finished product. Keep You exposes vulnerability and offers a helping hand at the same time, which is really rather extraordinary.

2. Gates – Bloom & Breathe

With an impressively atmospheric sound that would make Explosions In The Sky jealous, Gates has successfully won over many people with their first full release, Bloom & Breathe. Their debut EP The Sun Will Rise And Lead Me Home showcased how technical and intricate the band can perform, while last year’s You Are All You Have Left To Fear exploded with how emotional they can appear. Bloom & Breathe molds the sounds of these two EPs perfectly, complete with infectious choruses and chill-inducing guitar swells.

As I stated in our mid-year favorites piece, I didn’t give nearly enough credit to Closure In Moscow in my review of Pink Lemonade. I stand by my later statement that this record is a prime example of modern-day “classic rock.” Upon first listening to the record, you may not know what just happened for the past hour. But that’s when you have to return and pick it apart to really see the hard work and dedication put into it. It’s more than just a weird album; it’s a damn trip.

My name is Connor and I've been writing for Mind Equals Blown since September of 2013. I've been photographing bands since 2007 but didn't decide to make it more of a profession until 2012. I live in the Philadelphia area and am a graduate of Arcadia University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting. When I'm not shooting shows, I'm acting in a different kind of show (that's theatre), writing, or seeing new films.